A State Rarity Rank of S2 means: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable in New York State.

Global Rarity Rank:G3G4

A Global Rarity Rank of G3G4 means: Vulnerable globally, or Apparently Secure -- At moderate risk of extinction, with relatively few populations or locations in the world, few individuals, and/or restricted range; or uncommon but not rare globally; may be rare in some parts of its range; possibly some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. More information is needed to assign a single conservation status.

Did you know?
Coastal plain ponds contain an interesting group of species known as bladderworts. Most of the bladderwort plant lies underwater or in the wet soil with only a flowering stem rising above. These species are carnivorous and are common in these nutrient poor ponds. They trap small insects and even microscopic organisms in sophisticated “bladder” traps. When an insect brushes up against tiny hairs on the bladder it triggers the trap to snap shut. This process takes only thousandths of a second (Lloyd, F.E. 1942).

There are few documented sites for coastal plain ponds in New York. Many more exist as evidenced by the the corresponding documentation for coastal plain pond shores (nearly 60 documented). With that said, these ponds have a restricted range in New York and are found only in the coastal plain region. In addition to having a limited range, the ponds are threatened by introductions of exotic species, alterations to hydrology and water quality, commercial and residential development, recreational overuse, and by herbicide use.

Coastal plain ponds are probably continuing to see a slow decline in abundance. Changes in hydrology such as an increased demand for fresh water caused by a steady increase in development will continue to lower the water table and result in a drying up of some of the ponds. There are about 27 acres currently mapped and probably less than 200 acres extant. The historical acreage of these ponds is unknown but was probably less than 500 acres. Old maps of Long Island show more and larger ponds in the early 1900s (South Fork Natural History Society 1993).

The historical acreage of coastal plain ponds is unknown although it was estimated to be less than 500 acres. There are hand drawn maps of some ponds on Long Island from as early as the 1700s. Many of these ponds are gone or have been significantly reduced in size (South Fork Natural History Society Newsletter 1993).